
Efrain's of Boulder Mexican Restaurant
A Boulder institution serving authentic Northern Chihuahua cuisine with potent chili verde and a vast margarita selection.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Efrain's of Boulder Mexican Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Boulder institution serving authentic Northern Chihuahua cuisine with potent chili verde and a vast margarita selection.
Visit on Weekdays
Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on weekdays for potentially shorter wait times.
Don't Miss the Chili Verde
The chili verde is a standout, praised for its spiciness, tanginess, and flavorful pork.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Northern Chihuahua Cuisine
Savor potent chili verde, flavorful southwestern dishes, and generous portions that make this a Boulder institution.

Margarita Selection
Enjoy a wide variety of margaritas, including unique flavors like the Boulder Margarita, perfect for pairing with spicy dishes.

Generous Portions
Experience hearty meals with generous portions, ensuring you won't leave hungry. Popular choices include the Efrain Burrito.
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Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit on Weekdays
Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on weekdays for potentially shorter wait times.
Don't Miss the Chili Verde
The chili verde is a standout, praised for its spiciness, tanginess, and flavorful pork.
Gluten-Free Options Available
Inquire about gluten-free options, as many dishes can be prepared gluten-free.
Try Recommended Dishes
Consider trying the chicken fajitas, blue corn enchiladas, or the Efrain Burrito.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit on Weekdays
Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on weekdays for potentially shorter wait times.
Don't Miss the Chili Verde
The chili verde is a standout, praised for its spiciness, tanginess, and flavorful pork.
Gluten-Free Options Available
Inquire about gluten-free options, as many dishes can be prepared gluten-free.
Try Recommended Dishes
Consider trying the chicken fajitas, blue corn enchiladas, or the Efrain Burrito.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Efrain's of Boulder is celebrated for its authentic Northern Chihuahua cuisine, with many praising the flavorful chili verde and generous portions. Diners also rave about the extensive margarita selection. However, some reviews mention dishes being overly salty, and the vegetarian options could be more traditional.
"Incredible chili verde. Like best I’ve ever had. Spicy, tangy, and the pork is lean and flavorful. Wouldn’t change a thing. 🌶️"
Jaden Bastian
"Food did not taste bad, but was definitely not Mexican food; could maybe be considered Tex-Mex. The vegetarian taco was literally a salad on top of a flour tortilla and refried beans. And, the salsa tasted more tomatoey than like a salsa mexicana.
Our drinks (Puebla Mezcal Margarita & Mango Margarita) did not taste great, but were quite strong, which was a plus.
Great service! Staff were friendly and food was delivered very fast!"
Joshua Stallings
"Visited about 3pm on a Friday. Orderd blue corn enchiladas they were great. The chili verde bean burrito was okay, the beans were very salty. Service was very very minimal. Saw server to order and then to ask if I needed anything as check was in hand. I did have to go find napkins on my own. Overall I would visit again."
Marlo Carrillo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Efrain's is renowned for its authentic Northern Chihuahua cuisine, particularly its potent chili verde, generous portions, and extensive margarita selection.
Yes, Efrain's offers vegetarian options, though some guests have noted they could be more traditional. Inquire about gluten-free preparations.
Highly recommended dishes include the Efrain Burrito, chicken fajitas, and blue corn enchiladas.
Service is generally described as friendly, quick, and attentive.
With generous portions and a casual atmosphere, it's a good spot for families looking for hearty Mexican food.
To avoid crowds, consider visiting on weekdays. Weekends can be busy, but waits are generally manageable.
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A trip to Efrain’s might require a bit more time than a normal Boulder taco run, as the restaurant is located near the city’s outskirts, but the quality of the food makes it well worth it. Thought by many to be the premier taco establishment in all of Boulder County, Efrain’s has become a mainstay for residents of the area looking for great Mexican food. According to its website, Efrain’s prides itself on cooking everything it serves fresh each day and moving away from any chain-like practices.
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If you love Mexican food, you could point your finger to any item on Efrain’s menu and be happy with your choice. Efrain’s is a Boulder institution serving Northern Mexican dishes and the menu has a spice-level scale to help you choose the right dish for your tastebuds, ranging from the mild cheese enchiladas to the hot chile verde burrito. Trust your chef; the $13 Efrain Burrito is a large flour tortilla stuffed and smothered with the chef’s choice.
Where Can You Get the Best Mexican Food in Boulder CO?
Efrain's of Boulder Mexican Restaurant comes from a long culinary family tradition and has opened restaurants in multiple cities in Colorado. His style is unique to Northern Chihuahua, the desert region of Northern Mexico where he grew up. One thing to keep in mind is that while the different restaurants have the same name, they are separately managed and have their own distinct menus and offerings.
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Long celebrated as some of the best Mexican food in Boulder, Efrain’s is a little bit of a drive to the outskirts of Boulder, but fans say it’s worth it. There is typically a bit of a wait due to its notoriety, but once you get a taste of their food, the wait will have been worth it. It’s also recommended that you try the Pink Cadillac Margarita.
Exploring Boulder’s Best: 10 Mexican Restaurants in the Hall of Fame | About Boulder County Colorado
Efrain’s offers a comprehensive menu that includes classic Mexican favorites like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. The restaurant’s ambiance, paired with a wide selection of dishes, makes it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. Guests can relish their meals outdoors, or opt for delivery and takeout.
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But there is something positively magnetic about Efrain’s, beyond the menu of cheap, traditional New Mexican dishes, which Efrain’s pulls off admirably. Maybe it’s the twinkling Christmas lights, which are always on, the margaritas in mason jars, the warm chips and hot salsa, the Southwest decor.
Boulder Dining Guide: The "Can't Miss" Restaurants
Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant ($): An authentic Mexican restaurant that won’t break the bank – needless to say, this is not a fancy place for a first date. It is a bit of the drive to the outskirts of Boulder, but many locals give it a thumbs up. Fans recommend the The Efrain Burrito.
Highest-rated Mexican Restaurants in the Boulder Area by Diners
- Rating: 3.9/5 (506 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 2480 Canyon Blvd. Unit M1 Boulder, Colorado - Categories: Mexican- Read more on Yelp. You may also like: Where people in Boulder are looking to buy homes
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A slew of locals we talked to named Efrain’s restaurant as one of their favorite Boulder eateries. And why wouldn’t they?. Efrain’s serves excellent Mexican cuisine at affordable prices.
17 Best Restaurants in Boulder, CO
1630 63rd St # 10, Boulder, CO 80301Phone: (303) 440-4045 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant (@efrainsmexboulder)
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